7,250 irregular migrants 'voluntarily returned' from Tunisia to their countries in 2024

By Adel Thabeti

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) - The Tunisian authorities have said 7,250 irregular migrants voluntarily returned from Tunisia to their countries in 2024.

By the end of last year, Tunisia was able to secure the voluntary return of 7,250 irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, Mohamed Ben Ayed, the secretary of state to the Tunisian foreign minister, told a parliament session, according to a statement by the Tunisian parliament late Wednesday.

He added that this happened through Tunisia's coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and neighboring countries Algeria and Libya.

The Tunisian senior official pointed out to "the positive development in the level of coordination and cooperation with the neighboring countries" that helped in reducing the numbers of irregular migrants arriving in Tunisia en route to Europe.

Facing increasing economic and political crises, Tunisia has become a key departure point for irregular migration to Europe. Nearly every week, Tunisian authorities announce thwarting migration attempts.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar.